Checking and seeing if your Air Conditioner’s filter is up to par is one the best ways you can save on electricity bills and maximize the efficiency of your unit. Do a regular check-up and see if the filters need replacing at least once a month. Clogged filters will make your air conditioner work double time as it struggles to maintain the cool air.

2. Use Your Ceiling Fans

A simple mechanism change in your ceiling fan can do wonders for cooling your home. Try to run it counter-clockwise in the summer to push the cooler air down. You can save up on air conditioning costs and make your AC run better in lower temperature.

3. Install Window Tints

Consider having films installed on the inside of your windows to save on energy. The main idea here is to keep your home cooler in the summer and keep the warmth from escaping during winter time.

4. Save Your Thermostat

Avoid placing any kind of heat source near your thermostat. This means that TVs, lamps and other appliances that produce heat should be kept in distance from it. When your thermostat senses the nearby heat, it thinks that it hasn’t done its job well and works on for a longer period of time. If you’re installing a new unit, don’t place the thermostat under direct sunlight.

5. Schedule A Professional Tune-Up

Think ahead and schedule a maintenance service from a professional technician before the summer even begins. Include all of your AC units and make sure that they are in good condition to work during the hot summer months.

6. Opt For A Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can go a long way in keeping your AC unit working efficiently throughout the summer. You stand to waste less energy and electricity costs because you know the exact temperature of your home. Also, consider the degrees of temperature your AC unit is running- a bump in the dial means you can potentially save money in the long run.

7. Consider An AC Upgrade

Sometimes it’s best to retire your old AC unit in favor a newer, more efficient model. The initial cost might be more expensive, but the cost of operation will be certainly lower than if you were running your old HVAC system. Make sure to choose the right type of air conditioner- too little power and it will struggle to cool a room while having a too-large one will reduce the unit’s overall cooling efficiency.

Have a clogged toilet ruining your day? No problem. A beginner in home repair can unclog that toilet and have it flushing properly in just mere minutes without making a huge mess. Here’s the proper way to unclog a toilet with a plunger:

Step 1. Stop The Water Flow ASAP

If you don’t want a messy overflow and sewage backing up, then do this step as soon as possible. Take the tank’s lid off and find the toilet flapper. The flapper is the part in the tank that stops the water from the tank going into the toilet bowl. Take the top off before you hit the flusher. Keep one hand in the flapper just in case the water rises dangerously to the top.

Step 2. Add Dishwashing Detergent and Hot Water

Heat up water and put in a few cups mixed with dishwashing detergent into the toilet bowl before you start the plunging process. Let it sit for around 2 to 3 minutes and hopefully, the blog will have softened or cleared up. This will make the plunging so much easier than it is working with a hard clog.

Step 3. Get The Plunger

Not all plungers are made equal. If you want to get the best and the most efficient plunger, pick the funnel-cup plunger as it has a flange that provides a good seal. You can wear rubber gloves to get a better grip and use it as a protective shield in case things get worse.

Make your rubber pliable by running it under hot water for a few minutes to loosen it up.

Step 4. Do The Plunge

The very first plunge must be a gentle one. The bell will be full of air, and doing a hard plunge will force that air back, escape the seal and blow up the water in the toilet!

When the pocket of air is out, then it’s time to get down and dirty. Focus on pushing the plunger down with force while maintaining the seal between the flange and the toilet’s exit hole. The upward pull is just as important as the downward push.

Work up a good upward and downward motion for a few minutes, then flush the toilet. Keep your hand on the flapper to prevent overflows. Be patient, as it could take several plunging sessions to break up the blockage. The key to an effective plunge is to always have enough water to cover the seal.

Repeat the sequence until the clog has disappeared and your toilet is working again.

Technology makes our lives comfortable and more enjoyable, but the problem is that technology will never be perfected. Since technology will continually shut down and break, there will always be a need for technicians and maintenance professionals.

Central air systems, controlled by technology, are such an important aspect of homes and businesses that they should perform at a high level all the time. The only way to guarantee quality air all the time is by having an AC maintenance professional conduct a routine check of a system every year. This is the key to maintaining a central air system and receiving great results each year.

How can a routine maintenance check help your system last longer?

-Professionals in Dallas, TX check the entire system for faulty equipment and recommend replacements for anything that is not working properly. Most equipment can be fixed for a relatively low price and labor cost, especially if a professional catches the problem early.

-Professionals make minor tweaks to a system to keep it functioning strongly. These tweaks are conducted because of use over time and wear and tear the unit has. Tweaking a system helps it return to its original state and continue to work hard for the next year.

-Professionals can catch a minor problem before it turns to be a major expense. If a system goes without a routine check, then a minor problem can become a major problem in little to no time. Once you have a major problem on your hands, a system cannot be easily fixed and may need replacement.

-Professionals can track the progression of your system from year to year and recommend times to replace certain parts and when to update. Keeping track of the system will help you prepare for any expenses.

Most people do not have professionals conduct routine checks of their system, and they wonder why their system stops working. It’s important to let a professional check your system consistently to keep the quality and functionality high and keep you from having major problems. It’s a preventative measure to protect your central air system.

So, who do you ask to conduct a routine air conditioning check? If you don’t know of a good AC company in the North Texas Summer, then you should ask friends and family members if they recommend anyone. Look for a high rated company and see what their prices are for routine maintenance. Local companies are typically the best for the work and your money.